Naima

LISTEN TO NAIMA

 

A well known jazz ballad, John Coltrane wrote it 60 years ago for his wife, Juanita Naima Grubbs.

Gerry Pagano gave me the chance to create this arrangement by graciously sharing with me the individual tracks he arranged and recorded for his upcoming CD. Obviously bass trombone is featured prominently throughout.

I wanted to create something different from this great piece of music, and transforming Gerry's tracks to three started me out nicely on that path. Fresh off the publication of my book Rhythm Savvy, I was inspired to experiment with layering two meters. Building the undercurrent of the arrangement are various permutations of four over three. That juxtaposition creates an evolving rhythm and movement that works well over Gerry's bass trombone pedal throughout.

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Being familiar with the great alto trombone playing of Michael Lake, I can attest that his words of wisdom don’t come from a theoretician, but from a remarkably  accomplished artist. I highly recommend this great book!!”

– Cristian Ganicenco, Principal Trombone, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

I really like this interesting and well-disposed book. So many good thoughts, facts and tips on alto trombone. Good guidance for the searching alto souls out there. A must-have for the shelves.

– Håkan Björkman, Principal Trombone at Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra

I highly recommend Alto Trombone Savvy for players around the world wanting advice on handling the alto trombone at the highest level. Classical and jazz players both share the same challenges, and it’s great to have this book in either bass or alto clef to help answer some of those challenges.

- Carsten Svanberg, International Trombone Soloist and Professor of Trombone at the University of Music and Arts Graz

For anyone interested in learning to play the alto trombone, whether for classical or jazz, this book is a must. Clearly written, with excellent exercises and links to audio examples, Michael Lake has provided the trombone world with a wonderful new resource.

– Ralph Sauer, Former Principal Trombone, Los Angeles Philharmonic